Sunday, April 11, 2010

Water that Falls and Trees that are Big

(this is a long post, sorry) Yesterday I went to Redwoods National for a good part of the day. Saw all sorts of good stuff - the elk herd was hanging out in the usual locale, but not close enough for any good photos. My World, Watery Wednesday, Nature Notes

I saw the garter snake on the trail fairly early on and threw on the macro. He was posing quite nicely but this was the only shot I got. I decided to then pick him up. I do this on occasion as I have no fear of non-venomous snakes but this time it backfired on me. He emitted his incredibly stinky defense mechanism grossness. Hot damn. That stuff smells horrible. It was so bad I almost had to turn back (seriously). Luckily there were creeks along the trail so I was able to sort of wash my hands. (Skunk cabbage below)

The falls! I debated bringing the tripod for the waterfall pictures, and was glad I decided to lug it. They were little but beautiful falls. Love the mossy rocks. So green!

The trail went through some really nice old growth redwoods. None of the stands had been cut in the past, which was awesome. It's more often than not that you will see stumps from logging in the past. I was happy that wasn't the case here, since seeing stumps from chopped down trees brings me down. There were tons of great groves here.

Lots of fungus action happening too. I'll dig out the guidebook and see if I can figure out what any of them are. I did find my new favorite mushroom, but I'm saving that for another post. The two pictures below - these fungi were only about a 1/2 inch tall (tiny!), good thing for the extension tube! There were quite a few growing upside down and at weird angles.

There was one downed redwood - lots of new life had sprung up on it..love that about redwoods. But the tree itself had some crazy textures going on...I haven't really seen that so much in redwoods. Reminded me of Bristlecone bark. It was really smooth to the touch and totally cool looking.

At the end of the trail, I more or less got mobbed by chestnut-backed chickadees. Too bad I did't have any trailmix to offer, because I'm pretty sure they would have landed on my hand. There were probably 20-25 of them acting crazy hyper (as usual for them) but they would land inches in front of my head, I could have reached out to them. Super cute. No photos though, I was swinging the lens around like a crazy person trying to find one that would sit still. I gave up and ended up just watching them for about 20 minutes. The wind had picked up again, at some violent mph's, so the drive back to Eureka was a little sketchy. I dunno what is going on with the wind here lately, but I'm ready for some nice calm air! At least in the redwoods, it's nice and sheltered. Thursday Challenge (green)

Gorgeous!! these forests are the way I like so much, tribes such as columns of a cathedral, foams waterfalls and gurgling streams, infinite shades of green and tiny life everywhere. Even the snakes are beautiful and very friendly. Thank you for this fantastic walk!

What a lovely tour... so lush and green. (As I peer out the window at the last of my mountain snows) Now, let's get down to business. Will you please come to my garden and rid the place of snakes?? :) When I read that passage I exclaimed 'EW!' right out loud. :)

You should sell somewhere these photos, they are most professional. There are so many beautiful photos here, I don't know where to start commenting, perhaps with: you shouldn't take these creatures in your hands. I wouldn't even go close to such a forest, let you do the dirty job and I just come to admire your amazing work.

Awesome is the word, Jill! Stunningly beautiful captures! It is such a gorgeous place! I love the waterfalls and the magnificent trees! What a great trip and thanks for sharing it with us! Have a terrific week!

This is stunning series of photos. What a wonderful peace and serenity! I love this walk, thank you for inviting me. I have never been to a forest like this. This looks so unreal and magic to me.Have a nice week.

Oh how I Love the Redwoods with the contrast of Huge yet quiet. Thanks for taking me back. Last time I was there I heard a solo sax wafting thru the forest and saw some of the little people. No joke. Awesome photos!

Each and everyone of these are marvelous images. I went to the Redwoods as a child and again in 1980, anticipating a journey late September and I can hardly wait. Your images are so enticing and show the wonderful hues and draping of greens that make this place so magical. great series!

Jill, you take the most amazing photos. I'm glad you posted them all.The redwoods are such magnificent trees and I have never seen them photographed better. I love how you captured the beauty of the moss, mushrooms and fungi.Breathtaking! Thank you.

Your photography are beautiful, perfect captures. The snake photo, i'm impress you are not scare to pick him up. Good job, overall are just pretty the mushroom, falls, trees etc..I really enjoy watching ang amaze the beauty of nature you've share to us.

Fabulous shots! Love the macros of the mushrooms! I cracked up when I read about the garter snake! I do the same thing - pick them up. I had forgotten about the stink emission!

Your series of photos of the Redwoods National make it look like a beautiful and mystical place. I would love to visit there someday.

I saw Dan's question to you and I too would like to know that answer! I have been a strict vegetarian for years and last year I tried going vegan but after a several months, I just had to have my cheese. I am a cheese addict and have not found any decent substitutes. Cheese is the only thing keeping me from being vegan...

Holy cow...60 comments!!! I love the mossy waterfall and the snake. I had read that about them and now I will be sure not to pick one up..... Thanks for adding these beautiful photos to Nature Notes....Michelle